Preparing for Disasters and Extreme Weather

Recent weather events reinforce the possibility severe storms can appear suddenly at any time of the year. Local insurance agent, Mark Anderson, offered these pointers to stay safe in extreme weather or during other disasters that put your family or property at risk:

If you have advance notice that a powerful storm is headed your way, these tips help minimize damage to your property and increase your comfort level in the aftermath:

• Organize your important papers and store them off-site, in a bank safe-deposit box or some other secure location. Your mortgage, home and auto insurance policies, birth certificates, passports, and other important papers should be in a safe, dry location that you can access even if your home is damaged. Store other papers and keepsakes in plastic, sealable bags on a high shelf to avoid flood damage. 
• Create a home inventory of your possessions to expedite insurance claims after the storm and keep it with your important papers off-site.  A simple walk through video on your cell phone can be very helpful. It's much easier to file a claim with an existing inventory rather than trying to create one during the stressful post-storm period. 
• Put together an emergency kit of bottled water, flashlights, crank- or battery-operated radio, non-spoilable food, extra clothing, sleeping bags and blankets. These items can come in handy if you have to leave your home and temporarily move into a public shelter.
• Gather all medications, especially prescriptions and any necessary medical equipment/devices, (CPAP machines, walkers, canes, etc.) Take special thought for the elderly, infants and disabled. Include adult and infant diapers, wipes, etc.
• Create an easily accessible emergency fund, if possible, to streamline your post-storm recovery. 
• Board up windows and glass doors with shutters or plywood to minimize damage from broken glass, in case of high winds. 
• Move your car into the garage or some other place where it will be sheltered. If you don't have a garage, move it to higher ground, in case of flooding. 
• Bring outdoor furniture and potted plants inside. Anything that can be picked up by the wind and subsequently blown against your home should be secured ahead of time. 
• Store your gas grill safely and shut off the propane tank. 
• Prune branches that might break off during the storm and either hurt someone or cause damage to your home or vehicle. 
• Rent or purchase an emergency generator, if feasible. A powerful storm can knock out power to your home for days, even weeks. With a generator, you can continue running your refrigerator and keep some lights on.
• If you have to evacuate, make sure to turn off the utilities to your home, including the main electric circuit breaker, gas line and water supply line to help prevent further damage.  
• Fill your vehicles with fuel in the event you must evacuate. Keep a blanket, first aid kit, spare tire, jack, jumper cables, fuses and a few wrenches, screwdrivers, etc. calibrated to your vehicle and a reflective emergency triangle and/or send help sign.

What else can you do in preparation?  It is best to review your insurance coverage with your insurance provider at least annually to understand what protection you have in place and make updates as needed.  Confirm your insurance provider has updated contact information for you including cell phone numbers so they can help you throughout a claims process.